Stories about Medicaid in Texas, Pre-K 4 SA, a unique distance-learning program in SAISD, and the classic film "The Exorcist" were all awarded with 2014 Lone Star Awards by the Houston Press Club on Friday, July 18. The statewide contest honors the best in print, radio, television and Internet journalism.

Texas Public Radio's David Martin Davies and Joey Palacios were both awarded first place trophies at the awards dinner, held at Brady's Landing in Houston. Ryan Loyd and Nathan Cone, who attended the event in Houston, were also honored with second and third-place awards.

For his story about a pilot program in SAISD that allows a chronically ill girl to attend class with her friends, Joey Palacios received a first place award in the category of Best Soft News Feature-Radio.

Judges for the Houston Press Club also recognized David Martin Davies with a first place award for an episode of "Texas Matters" that dealt with the ramifications of not expanding the Medicaid program in the Lone Star State.

Reporter Ryan Loyd received two awards, including a second-place trophy for his Internet-based feature story on Pre-K 4 SA's launch, and a third-place recognition in the prestigious category of Radio Journalist of the Year.

TPR's Nathan Cone received two awards for his coverage of film, including a story about the real-life history that inspired the classic John Wayne movie "The Searchers," and the religious and spiritual themes of "The Exorcist."